Chain Link

Wire Belt Company’s Chain Link belting is the simplest available wire belt design, suitable for light duty use in drying and cooling applications. Chain Link is a component part of Wire Belt Company’s Troughing Filter Belts, and can also be used as collapsible screen for applications such as lift guards.

Chain Link features a simplistic design, where successive spiral coils are interwoven to create an open mesh. Chain Link can be supplied with the edges either knuckled or welded.

By keeping the belt design simple yet functional, Wire Belt Company’s Chain Link offers end-users an economic and lightweight solution for low load conveying applications. The large open area inherent in Chain Link’s design also makes it a popular choice for drying and cooling application where belt flow-through is of paramount importance.

Chain Link can be supplied with alternating left and right facing panels to counteract any tracking issues caused by the coil pattern. It is also available as Rod Reinforced Chain Link, where cross-rods are inserted across the belt width to increase the overall load capacity. Chain Link is commonly supplied in Grade 304 Stainless Steel, although other steel grades are available on request.

Typical Applications:

Transport

Cooling

Drainage

Industrial Curtains

Lift Guards

Elevating

De-Elevating

Industrial Furnaces

- Select A Topic

Mesh Type

Standard Chain Link (CL)

The assembly consists of unidirectional coils with each coil interconnecting with the next. When used as a friction driven belt the assembly may feature alternating sections of left then right hand assembled panels. Each belt panel is linked to the next opposite hand weave panel with a through wire – see below. Panelling of the belt with left & right hand coil sections help alleviate belt track off on all circuit rollers and belt supports. Many friction driven belts however are not panelled in this way and rely on their weight and the conveyor tracking system to ensure straight running of the belt. Click here for data enquiry sheet.

Rod Reinforced Chain Link (CLR)

Panelled Belting: Left and right assembly of panelled coils are linked together by a through connector pin. The alternating handing of the panelled coils balances the weave contact with the friction driven roller or idle rollers to ensure best tracking performance of the belt. Check to see if your belt is panelled in this way prior to placing an order.

NB: When driven by means of side chains and carrier cross rods there is no requirement to panel the belt assembly.

Rod Reinforced Chain Link (CLR)

To add strength and lateral stability to the belt the intermeshing coils are linked with a through wire. This through wire is finished at the edges in a variety of styles including welded, laddered, knuckled and welded and compressed and welded. When enquiring please forward either a picture or diagram of the belt edge. The same panelling assembly as described above may be required when used solely as a friction driven belt. Click here for data enquiry sheet.

Rod Reinforced Chain Link - Duplex (CLR-Duplex)

To add even more belt strength and reduce the open area then a duplex version of the standard rod reinforced is available. The assembly consist of twin intermeshing standard coils at each position. Click here for data enquiry sheet

The following is an extract of available specifications:

Standard Chain Link (CL)

These are designed to suit the customer requirements but in general are available in lateral coil wire pitches varying from 5.08mm to 25.4mm, combined with a variety of wire diameters and longitudinal pitches to suit the application.

Rod Reinforced Chain Link (CLR)

Lateral Coil Pitch (mm)

Coil Wire Diameter (mm)

Longitudinal Cross Wire Pitch (mm)

Cross Wire Diameter (mm)

16.93/15.24

2.03

16.93/19.05

2.64

2.64

2.95

2.95

3.25

3.25

4.06

Rod Reinforced Chain Link - Duplex (CLR-D)

Lateral Coil Pitch (mm)

Coil Wire Diameter (mm)

Longitudinal Cross Wire Pitch (mm)

Cross Wire Diameter (mm)

8.47

2.03

16.93/19.05

2.64

2.64

2.95

2.95

3.25

3.25

4.06

5.08

2.03

10.16

2.64

All dimensions are in millimetres (mm) and are subject to Wire Belt Company manufacturing tolerances.

NB. Please contact technical sales if you have a specification requirement other than those listed above.

Edge Availability

Welded Edge (W) – mesh only without reinforcing rods

At the belt edges the coil wires are looped together and welded. This type of edge finish allows for relatively smooth finish to the belt edge and is the most economic version of this belt style.

Knuckled Edge (K) – mesh only without reinforcing rods

The end of each coil wire is bent back into a ‘U’ shape and then interlock with the adjacent coil. The ‘U’ form is then closed securely to form a permanent link with the next coil. This formation also allows greater flexibility of the belt edges and minimises stress build up at these positions.

Edge finish to standard rod reinforced (mesh only) Chain Link Belts

These include the following:-

Welded Chain Link Rod Reinforced (CLR-W – IN/OUT). The cross rods are of two different lengths of rod to cater for the edge pattern of coil connection. The cross rods are welded to the coils in an “In – Out” pattern of assembly.

Welded Chain Link Rod Reinforced (CLR-W-IN LINE). All cross rods are the same length with every alternate coil edge compressed to achieve an “In Line” finish.

Chain Link Rod Reinforced Bent Pin with welded edges (CLR-W-BENT-PIN). With this assembly the cross rods are bent at the ends through 90° and are welded to the preceding coil wire end. To align the edges of the belt, every alternative coil is compressed at the edges prior to welding.

Knuckled Chain Link 'U' Cross Rod Reinforced (CLR-K/U). With this style of assembly the cross rods are constructed as pairs in a hairclip style 'U' assembly of formation. The 'U' shaped cross rods are kept in place by means of the knuckled coil edges and are inserted alternately from either side when assembling the belt.

As an option to this edge layout the tail end wire of the knuckled coil edges can also be welded back to the coil (CLR-K/U/W).

Edge finish to rod reinforced duplex (mesh only) Chain Link Belts

Knuckled/Hooked Duplex Chain Link (CLR-K/H-Duplex). The assembly consists of pairs of interwoven coil wires which have a knuckled linked finish at the edges. The cross wires have a hooked end finish and are inserted alternately from either side when assembling the belt.

Note: If you have a special belt edge finish then please contact Wire Belt technical sales.

Chain Edge Driven Mesh:

Along with the above mesh edge finishes these meshes can be driven by side chains using cross rods which are located through the mesh coils and then through chains at the edges of the mesh. The types of cross rod finish at the exterior of the side chain are as follows:-

With welded washer

This is the most common and economical style of finish to a chain edge belt and comprises of a central mesh carried through the system by means of edge chains with carrier cross rods through both mesh and edge chains. Depending upon the mesh cross wire pitch the cross rods may take the place of the through cross wire of the basic mesh. The cross rods are finished at the outside chain edges with a welded washer

With Cotter Pin & Washer

Although less economical this type of assembly allows the customer or service personnel the ability to replace the edge drive chains when the mesh and rods are still serviceable. The assembly comprises of a central mesh carried through the system by means of edge chains with carrier cross rods through both mesh and edge chains. The cross rods are finished at the outside with a drilled hole to allow the fitment of a washer & cotter pin. It also allows the repair replacement of sections of belt without the need to grind off rod heads and weld back together.

NB: For greater width stability of rods to chain it is normal, where possible, to supply the cross rods turned down to go through the hollow pin of the edge chains.

Various other styles of chain edge finish

These include:-

a. Cross rod welded flush to the hollow pin of the side chain. This is not a preferred standard but may be necessary where width between conveyor side frames & other structural parts create a limitation where “welded washer” or “washer & cotter pin” cannot be used.

In general the chain edge driven belts are available with 2 styles of edge chain:-

Transmission Chain - has a small roller

The chain edge side plate can be supported either on an angle side frame, or by means of a profiled rail to go between the side plates and support on the roller. Alternatively it can run without chain support where the mesh is supported close to the chain edge.

Conveyor Roller Chain –has a large roller.

This chain edge can be supported on a flat angle edge wear strip with the chain roller rotating freely along the conveyor length. The roller action of the chain reduces chain wear and also reduces the operational friction at this point.

Methods of Drive

Friction Driven

The most common form of drive is the plain steel parallel driven roller system. This system depends on the frictional contact between the belt and roller to ensure drive of the belt.Variations of this drive type include the lagging of the roller with such materials as rubber, friction brake lining (for high temperature), etc. The use of such friction lagging materials allow for the operational drive tension in the belt to be reduced, thus increasing the useful life of the belt.

Chain Edge Driven

With this assembly of belt the cross wire pitch of the belt mesh is manufactured to ensure that the chain edge is the driving medium with the belt mesh being pulled through the circuit by the chains.

Standard Material Availability (Mesh Only)

Material

Maximum Wire Operating Temperature °C

Carbon Steel (40/45)

550

Galvanised Mild Steel

400

Chrome Molybdenum (3% Chrome)

700

304 Stainless Steel (1.4301)

750

321 Stainless Steel (1.4541)

750

316 Stainless Steel (1.4401)

800

316L Stainless Steel (1.4404)

800

314 Stainless Steel (1.4841)

1120 (Avoid use at 800-900°C)

37/18 Nickel Chrome (1.4864)

1120

80/20 Nickel Chrome (2.4869)

1150

Inconel 600 (2.4816)

1150

Inconel 601 (2.4851)

1150

Before making a selection for high temperature applications consult with our Technical Sales Engineers for the most suitable wire grade for the application as wire strength reduces at elevated temperatures.

Do not use crowned rollers to support or drive the belt at any position in the circuit.

Caution: Incorrect installation may result in permanent damage to your belt.

Before installing the belt it is important that the conveyor structure is set up as per the above instructions in a proper aligned and level condition.

For belt installation please refer to the “Installation Guidelines”. Once the belt is installed and set to run in the slow speed mode careful attention should be paid to ensure straight tracking of the belt. If the belt tracks off to one edge then the following procedure for true tracking should be used which generally means adjusting horizontally the position of the belt support rollers.

During the procedure of belt tracking DO NOT alter the end roller positions once they have been checked and set according to the instructions above. It is important that they run parallel and level.

The following are guidelines for the proper tracking of woven steel beltings:

To check for proper tracking first mark the belt at several positions down the length at an equal position in from the edge of the belt. The edge of the belt can also be used if free and clear of any covers or guards.

The belt should now be run for several complete revolutions at slow speed to allow for settling out of the belt to its running position. Once the belt has settled to position then measure any track off by means of the belt mark or belt edge relative to a point on the conveyor frame at the infeed end. This will then indicate the direction and amount of belt track off.

To adjust the belt tracking please refer to the sketch below and adjust the return support rollers as per indicated in the instructions.

As a general guideline the roller closest to the infeed should be set at approximately 1¾ times the belt width away from the idle infeed roller. Adjusting this roller may be sufficient however if you need additional tracking then adjust each roller in turn working away from the infeed. TIP: For large amounts of belt tracking correction it is more effective to move many rollers a small amount rather than say one or two rollers a large amount. If the conveyor has a full wrap snub roller in the return way then adjustment of that roller may be more effective as the full wrap of belt on this roller will produce more lateral belt movement for any given amount of adjustment.

At each stage of adjustment check the lateral belt movement against the previously set reference point at the infeed. Once the belt lateral movement is stable the belt is then tracked and the rollers should be firmly secured in position.

As final check move to the discharge and check for any lateral belt movement. If there is movement of the belt at this point then adjust any carry way rollers in a similar fashion to previously. Adjusting rollers closest to the discharge first and then moving back down the conveyor if further adjustment is required. In general however if the belt is supported on a symmetrical chevron pattern of wear strips then the belt should self-track at the discharge.

Various other methods of belt tracking can be used under limited circumstances:-

Vertical edge rollers. These have only a single point of contact with the belt and should be used in multiples to help alleviate high pressure contact on the belt edge.

Hyperbolic edge rollers which offer a straight line of contact with the belt edge over the length of the roller when set at the designed angle of operation.

Any of the above can be used as a temporary measure until the belt can be re-tracked as described in the main text above. They can also be used where the normal method of tracking is not possible or the conveyor is short with light loading, low tension and low speed.

Any type of belt tracking should start at the point of least belt tension. Normally at the infeed end return way.

Under no circumstances should flanged or crowned rollers be used in an attempt to track the belt. Both will permanently damage the belt.

The starting point for any edge guides should be no closer than 2 x the belt width from either the drive or infeed idle roller or any other roller where the belt contact is in excess of 30°.

Note: For Rolled Baking Bands edge roller or guides are NOT recommended. Only safety trip rollers or photo-electric cells can be used to stop the conveyor should excessive belt wander be encountered. These should be set at least 10mm from the normal belt edge running position.

Chain Link Woven Conveyor Belt Installation Guidelines

Friction and Chain Edge Positive Driven

Preparation

Before installing a new belt, always check the conveyor structure;
· Shafts to be at 90° to direction of travel, and horizontal.
· Rollers to be free to rotate
· Positive Drive Belts—Sprockets to be correctly positioned, and aligned.
· Belt supporting surfaces are smooth and level with adequate belt edge clearance. Check that there are no parts of the structure that can catch the belt.
· If a take-up mechanism is fitted, ensure that it is functioning correctly.

Caution!

It is a characteristic of spiral mesh belts, that coils can twist and so tighten the mesh pitch. This can happen in packing/transit, and in the process of feeding the belt on to the conveyor. Whilst the belt is first being installed, it should be relatively easy to shake out these twisted coils (or scrape them flat). If this is not done, the twisted coils will lock in place as tension is applied. If the conveyor is then run, with twisted coils, belt damaged can occur.

1. First ensure that the electrical supply to the conveyor is turned off and the power supply locked out.
2. Release any conveyor belt tension take up mechanism to allow maximum adjustment during use.
3. There is no top or bottom side to the belt—either side can be up.
4. There is no direction of travel to the belt.
5. The belting should be pulled through the conveyor circuit until the two ends meet. There are 2 approaches to this:

a. Where the belt is being replaced for a belt in situ on the conveyor. In this instance the existing belt would be cut at the non-drive (normally idle infeed end) and then temporarily attach the lead of the new belt roll to the lagging end of the existing belt. By means of supporting the new belt roll (whether on a roll or layered on a pallet) you will be able to carefully drive the belt (operate at slow speed) into the conveyor using the existing belt – always maintain suitable belt tension to ensure there is no belt slip on the drive roll. Whilst the belt is being driven in the old belt should be collected and layered carefully onto a pallet or suchlike for disposal. Then continue the process from step 6

b. If fitting the belt to a conveyor where there is no existing belt (such as a new installation) then the belt will have to be fed through the conveyor circuit by hand. For long conveyors you will need to attach a steel bar to the leading edge of the belt with cable ties or suchlike (see below). To this bar then attach a pulling rope which is first fed through from the infeed of the carry way section of the conveyor to the discharge. From here the belt can be pulled through the carry way part of the circuit. Once the lead edge of the belt is at the discharge end the rope should then be fed back through the return way of the belt circuit to the infeed end. It can then be pulled (maybe with slow speed drive assistance) to the infeed end. Then continue the process from step 6.

6. Excess mesh should be cut off whilst maintaining the correct coil handing assembly. Please note that friction driven meshes without side chains are often supplied in alternating panels of right and left hand coil assemblies. When cutting to length try to maintain this pattern as near as possible to alleviate any potential tracking problems.
7. Temporarily, the two ends can be tied together; this may make joining easier.
8. The mesh is joined by winding a coil wire through the intermeshing coils at each end of the belt.
9. The joining coil wire should then be cut to length and welded to the corresponding coil wire, at the edges, maintaining the continuous pattern of the belting.Note: If side guards or cross flights are fitted, their pattern and construction need to be taken into consideration.
10. Re-tension the belt enough to maintain adequate drive without over tensioning the belt.
11. Check there are no belt parts or tools left on, or in the conveyor.
12. Remove power lock off and then start the conveyor and test run under slow running conditions before running at normal operating speed.

Longer belts may be supplied in sections and therefore multiple belt joins will be necessary.

If the belt drive shaft is fitted with chain edge positive drive sprockets then you will have to disengage the geared motor drive from the drive shaft or operate the conveyor in a slow speed mode to allow the return way belt section to be pulled back whilst being driven. Always ensure that the new belt section locates correctly into the sprocket teeth.

If the belt is fitted with side chains and cross rods then it will also be necessary to maintain the side chain pattern when joining the belt. Side chain driven belts are supplied with two sets of chain connecting links.

Operating Notes!

Sometimes a belt can show signs of surging, hunting or jerking. What could be happening may be an effect sometimes referred to as “slip-stick” which can afflict some longer slow running conveyors using many belt styles. The belt can act something like a spring. The idle end of the belt can remain stationary until belt tension increases to the point that static friction is overcome; the belt can then surge ahead and the resulting drop in tension may then allow the belt to slow, or even stop. The cycle of surging can then become repetitive; if this problem persists then consult the designer or manufacturer of the conveyor.

This effect is normally a function of the following:-
· Low belt speed
· Belt tension
· Nature of belt support (coefficient of friction)

To help alleviate some of this effect it may be necessary to change any of the above or a combination of all.

Conveyor Circuit Design Guidelines – Friction Driven

When designing your conveyor it is imperative that you work within the capabilities of the belt selected.

Friction drive belt systems are various and generally depend upon the application in question. They can vary across temperature range applications from low temperature cryogenic up to 1150°C. The limitations in general are based upon the product, process and available space. Click here to download the Conveyor Circuit Design Guidelines.

If you are unsure as to the details enclosed then please call the Technical Sales Team at Wire Belt Company +44 (0) 1795 421771

Trouble Shooting Guide for Friction Drive Woven Mesh Belts

Check all rollers and belt support surfaces for debris build up and remove

Drive & Idle Infeed rollers not set parallel to each other and 90° to conveyor centre line

Adjust Infeed and drive roller so that they are at 90° to conveyor centre line. Do not track belt by adjusting end rollers. These must be set parallel to each other. See “Tracking of Friction Driven Meshes” guidelines

Belt support rollers not set level and at 90° to conveyor centre line

Adjust belt support rollers to be level and at 90° to the conveyor centre line. Return side tracking rollers can then be adjusted horizontally to track belt as per “Tracking of Friction Driven Meshes” guidelines

Belt tension/length adjustment rollers are not set to be equal on both sides (must be at 90° to conveyor centre line)

Ensure all belt length adjustment rollers are adjusted equally both sides of the conveyor

Uneven loading of product

Check pattern of loading across width and adjust to give uniform loading

Uneven temperature across belt in hot process

Uneven temperature across width will cause uneven belt expansion. This will impact on the drive tension across the width of the belt. Adjust heaters to give even temperature pattern

Belt stretched on edge

If belt is stretched on one edge then the belt should be replaced. As a short-term measure (to continue production) consider flipping over every metre of belting to help balance out the stretch on one side. Please remember this is only temporary as the belt has been damaged

Note: It is normal to expect that each belt supplied will track differently to the previous belt. Refer to the “Tracking of Friction Driven Meshes” guidelines when fitting a new belt

Note: Wide belts operating on short conveyors can be difficult to track

Belt runs to one side

Belt join has been made with the same coil handing

Check join – remove one of the same handing coils from the belt and then re-join

Belt is of “Chain Link” style with all coils of the same handing

Where “Chain Link” belting is installed without chain edges then it is recommended that the belt be manufactured in panel lengths of left hand and right-hand sections to balance out the action of the coil handing over the drive & idle rollers

Drive & Idle rollers not set parallel to each other and 90° to conveyor centre line

Belt support rollers not set level and at 90° to conveyor centre line

Track belt according to the “Tracking of Friction Driven Meshes”

Belt Runout

Note: There will be some natural wander of the belt over both the drive & idle infeed roller which is due to the slight manufacturing variations in wire formation and tensile. This is normal and should not exceed 20mm of total travel across the roller. Therefore, ensure that all rollers & supports are in the order of 50mm to 100mm wider than the belt

Belt slips on drive roller

Conveyor too long for belt specification

Load too heavy for belt specification

Operating temperature too high for belt specification

Check with Wire Belt Company Technical Sales with full description of application

Drive roller too small for application

Increased friction between belt and wear strips/support rollers

Consider increasing friction contact with drive roller by means of increasing the diameter or increasing the friction of the drive roller surface. Also consider reducing the friction between wear strips and the belt by using an alternative wear strip material

Ensure press roller operates parallel to the drive roller it is working against

Automatic belt take-up is stuck and failing to exert constant tension to belt

Check the operation of belt take-up unit and ensure it is free to operate equally on both sides of the conveyor

Belt take-up roller is at the end of its travel creating slack in the belt

Remove a section of belt, adjust take-up and reconnect the belt ends. Refer to “Installation Guidelines” for correct procedure

Curve to wire strands across width or Convex/Concave belt camber

Belt drag on one edge or position across belt width

Check for uneven friction across width. It could be a rough wear strip, catching edge, product build up on rollers, uneven temperature across width, etc. There are many causes so a thorough investigation of the belt circuit and process is necessary. Contact Wire Belt Company Technical Sales if you are unable to locate and clear the problem.

Note: Belt can be taken off periodically and refitted in the reverse providing camber is not excessive. Camber will try to straighten and form a new camber as per previous installation. Do not attempt this procedure if the wire has work hardened and become liable to fracture.

Belt spirals worn

Inspect belt thoroughly particularly on its underside and replace belt if wear is excessive. Belt can be turned over if wear is not too excessive

Uneven pressure of belt on drive roller if conveyor is fitted with a drive press roller

Check and adjust drive pressure roller so that it is acting parallel and with even pressure across the width of mesh on the drive roller

Temperature difference across belt is greater than 12°C

Reset heat distribution pattern and check for ingress of cool air into the operating environment

Rapid belt wear

Belt slips on drive roller – see above.

Support wear strips have sharp edges in contact with belt

Remove all wear strip sharp edges to present a smooth surface for belt to run over. There should be no abrupt corners or edges of the support structure to impede smooth belt operation

Surface level of carry way belt support wear strips are set too high in relation to the belt underside level as it exits the infeed roller or discharges to the outfeed roller

The surface level of the carry way wear strips should be adjusted to the level of the infeed & discharge belt support rollers

Distortion of belt

Wear to rollers

Check and replace any rollers that are worn and uneven across width

Product debris build up on rollers or belt support members

Remove all debris and fit constantly operating scraper to any driven roller if debris build up persists

Rollers are crowned

Drive and end transfer rollers must be straight & parallel (not crowned). This also applies to any other roller in circuit with belt wrap under tension

Relax belt tension and smooth out by hand the locked coils. See “Balanced Spiral Installation Guidelines”

Remove all wear strip sharp edges to present a smooth surface for belt to run over

Belt corroding prematurely

Operating atmosphere or temperature not suited to belt specification. May lead to “Stress Corrosion Cracking”

Consult with Wire Belt Company Technical Sales with full details of process application

Belt edge damage

Belt has wandered to one edge and is contacting the conveyor frame

See above for “Belt not tracking properly” & “Belt runs to one side”

Belt may have come into contact with edge tracking rollers, or guide frame, with excessive force

It is recommended that belt guides do not interfere with the smooth operation. Where it is necessary the force exerted should be no greater than 5 newtons

Belt vibration

Belt passing over either rough or uneven surfaces or obstructions such as an angle, wear strip edge, etc

Check complete belt circuit and remove any rough or uneven surfaces or obstructions

Belt passing over rollers that are set at a distance which is a multiplication of the cross-wire pitch down the length

Check position of rollers in relation to the cross-wire pitch multiplicity and alter position if necessary

Oval coil spirals passing over small end/drive rollers

Check system for vibration at rollers and if present consider increasing the roller size and/or changing the belt specification for a belt with an increased longitudinal coil wire dimension. Longer lengths of the coil will be flatter. Also consider a “Flat Spiral” belt alternative

Incorrect belt tension

Adjust belt take-up to either increase or reduce belt tension and note any change in vibration

Belt surging on carry way infeed

Belt speed is slow in relation to working friction between belt and rollers/wear strips. This surging action is known as the “Slip-Stick” effect where the belt overdrives when moving forward. It then momentarily stops to allow the belt coils to expand and then moves forward again

Change the nature of wear strip belt supports to raise or lower friction. If friction is increased this may have a detrimental effect on the belt and should only be considered after full consultation with Wire Belt Company Technical Sales

Belt tension too high or too low

Trial the increase or decrease of belt tension and note if belt surging stops

Bearing failure of any of the rollers within the belt circuit that are in contact with the belt

Check all bearings are free rotating and not damaged. Replace as necessary

Consult with Wire Belt Company Technical Sales to reassess application and belt details.

Black debris build up on belt and conveyor frame structure

Normally occurs in the belt “Break In” phase of installation

As new all wire of the belt mesh and wear support surfaces have microscopic peaks at the surfaces. This black debris is caused by the peaks of these surfaces rubbing against each other in operation until they become polished and “seat in”. After the “Break In” phase of the belt the system should be thoroughly cleaned. This process may have to be repeated before this black debris is reduced to an acceptable minimum

Automatic belt take-up is stuck and failing to exert constant tension to belt

Check the operation of belt take-up unit and ensure it is free to operate equally on both sides of the conveyor

Belt take-up roller is at the end of its travel creating slack in the belt

Remove a section of belt, adjust take-up and reconnect the belt ends. Refer to “Installation Guidelines” for correct procedure

Belt back pressure tension to low

Increase general belt tension by adjustment of belt take up device. Do not exert excessive tension on belt as Balanced Spiral Chain Edge driven belts should work with the minimum of tension to ensure proper drive

Curve to wire strands and cross rods across width

High friction between belt mesh and support wear strips/rollers

Inspect belt circuit to ensure all belt support rollers are free to rotate

Cross rods through mesh are too small for the application

Wider belts should use a high tensile cross rod or increased cross rod diameter

Improper belt support between chain edges on rollers & wear strips

Ensure that the support rollers between chain edge sprockets are of the correct diameter

There should be sufficient roller support of the mesh between chain edge sprockets on all rollers to prevent mesh distortion

Wear strip supports where fitted should ensure the flat operation of the belt in use

Rapid belt wear

Chain edge slips on drive sprockets – see above.

Support wear strips have sharp edges in contact with belt

Remove all wear strip sharp edges to present a smooth surface for belt to run over. There should be no abrupt corners or edges of the support structure to impede smooth belt operation

Surface level of carry way belt support wear strips are set too high in relation to the belt underside level as it exits the infeed roller or discharges to the outfeed drive shaft

The surface level of the carry way wear strips should be adjusted to the level of the infeed & discharge belt support rollers

Distortion of belt

Wear to rollers

Check and replace any rollers that are worn and uneven across width

Product debris build up on rollers or belt support members

Remove all debris and fit constantly operating scraper to any driven roller if debris build up persists

Relax belt tension and smooth out by hand the locked coils. See “Balanced Spiral Installation Guidelines”

Remove all wear strip sharp edges to present a smooth surface for belt to run over

Damage to chain edges

Sprocket chain centres across width do not match chain centre to centre of belt

Reposition one or both edge sprockets at all positions to match belt chain centres

For wider and high temperature operating belts it is normal that only one edge sprocket is fixed in position. The other sprocket is free to float on the keyed shaft to allow for belt expansion and manufacturing tolerances

Edge sprocket teeth not in alignment

This may occur if sprockets are not keyed onto shaft. If there are any inaccuracies of keying both the sprockets and shafts then re-machine or replace to rectify the machining error

Improper support of chain edge throughout belt circuit

Check to ensure that wear strip chain edge support is constant and level where necessary throughout the belt circuit.

All wear strips should have an angle or curved lead in to prevent the chain catching

Structure of conveyor catching on belt edge

Conveyor frame clearance should be 50mm to 100mm wider than overall belt width – depending on width and length of conveyor

Centre of belt not in alignment with centre of conveyor throughout belt circuit

Check all roller/shaft positions that they are set up to be centrally aligned to conveyor centre line

Belt corroding prematurely

Operating atmosphere or temperature not suited to belt specification. May lead to “Stress Corrosion Cracking”

Consult with Wire Belt Company Technical Sales with full details of process application

Belt vibration

Belt passing over either rough or uneven surfaces or obstructions such as an angle, wear strip edge, etc

Check complete belt circuit and remove any rough or uneven surfaces or obstructions

Belt passing over rollers that are set at a distance which is a multiplication of the cross-rod pitch down the length

Check position of rollers in relation to the cross-rod pitch multiplicity and alter position if necessary

Incorrect belt tension

Adjust belt take-up to either increase or reduce belt tension and note any change in vibration. Do not over tension as chain edge driven belts operate with a positive drive mechanism. Only apply enough tension to ensure drive of belt

Belt surging on carry way infeed

Belt speed is slow in relation to working friction between belt, chain edges and rollers/wear strips. This surging action is known as the “Slip-Stick” effect where the belt overdrives when moving forward. It then momentarily stops to allow the belt coils and chain to expand and move forward again

Change the nature of wear strip belt supports to raise or lower friction. If friction is increased this may have a detrimental effect on the belt and should only be considered after full consultation with Wire Belt Company Technical Sales

Belt tension too high or too low

Trial the increase or decrease of belt tension and note if belt surging stops

Bearing failure of any of the rollers within the belt circuit that are in contact with the belt

Check all bearings are free rotating and not damaged. Replace as necessary

Consult with Wire Belt Company Technical Sales to reassess application and belt details.

Black debris build up on belt and conveyor frame structure

Normally occurs in the belt “Break In” phase of installation

As new all wire of the belt mesh and wear support surfaces have microscopic peaks at the surfaces. This black debris is caused by the peaks of these surfaces rubbing against each other in operation until they become polished and “seat in”. After the “Break In” phase of the belt the system should be thoroughly cleaned. This process may have to be repeated before this black debris is reduced to an acceptable minimum